DAM Foundation Empowers 8,000 Residents Across Kogi State
The DAM Foundation Mega Empowerment Programme, spearheaded by the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and Chairman of DAM Foundation, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has successfully empowered 8,000 residents across Kogi State.
The ongoing programme, currently taking place at Khahal Cinema, Adavi Local Government Area, started on the 22nd December, 2025 is designed to promote sustainable livelihoods, youth development, and economic growth across communities in the state.
Empowerment Items Distributed
Beneficiaries of the programme are receiving a wide range of empowerment tools and support, including:
Laptops
Solar plasma systems
Solar streetlights
Solar Home Systems
Grinding machines
Sewing machines
Artisans’ tools
Cash support and start-up grants
Other empowerment equipment
Focus on Youth, Women, and Skills Development
The empowerment and outreach initiative places strong emphasis on ICT training, entrepreneurship development, and artisan skill acquisition, enabling youths and women to gain practical skills that enhance employability and self-reliance.
Participants in the ICT programme received hands-on training alongside laptops and digital tools to improve learning and productivity. Artisan trainees were supported with essential equipment for trades such as carpentry, bricklaying, tailoring, and automobile repairs, helping them to establish or expand their businesses.
In addition, beneficiaries received solar kits, smart home solar systems, solar TVs, solar fans, and solar lights to promote access to clean and reliable energy. Market women and commercial motorcycle riders (Okada riders) were also supported with cash grants and gadgets to strengthen their businesses. Food items, including bags of rice, beans, provisions, and cooking ingredients, were distributed to support households. Secondary schools were not left out of the programme.
Commitment to Renewable Energy and Infrastructure
Prior to this empowerment programme, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi had facilitated the establishment of key energy and development projects, including:
A Solar Energy–Focused Institute
A Hydrogen Power Plant, both ongoing at CUSTECH, Osara, Kogi State
A modern recreation centre at Okene Club, featuring a basketball court, mini-hotel, and clinic
These projects underscore his commitment to renewable energy development, education, and community well-being.
Official Flag-Off and Government Support
The Empowerment and Outreach Programme was officially flagged off by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, alongside Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi. The event highlighted the importance of public–private collaboration in driving youth empowerment, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable grassroots development
Dr. Mustapha’s Remarks
Addressing a mammoth crowd in Okene, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi emphasized that beneficiaries who had undergone training in entrepreneurship and skills acquisition would be empowered with equipment and start-up cash grants to enable them to begin earning sustainable incomes.
He said: “It is with great pleasure that I address you on this occasion of what I tagged Mega Empowerment. Unlike the last edition held at AAAMCO, Okene, this edition—covering feedback reports, presentation of equipment to trained indigenes, and start-up cash grants—has been decentralized to reach communities and institutions working for the welfare of our people and Nigerians resident among us.”
He further noted that over 2,000 youths, men, and women had been trained in ICT and various skills acquisition programmes in preparation for the empowerment exercise.
“As it is today, a solid foundation for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has been laid. Our district can already attest to the benefits of this agenda through the projects I have been able to facilitate in our state and beyond.”
The Mega Empowerment Programme has received wide media coverage, including features on major online news platforms, further highlighting the administration’s commitment to people-oriented governance, renewable energy, and inclusive development.
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*Reporting by:*
Comrade Adabara El-Okene
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